After the first day of practice, head coach Chan Gailey had this to say in his press conference regarding Lee working with Fitzpatrick:

Fitz was throwing some balls across his body and [Lee’s] been able to help him technically get a little sounder, working on some little things about getting the ball up and over linebackers. Things like that that we just didn’t get the opportunity to do as much with because we had no offseason last year. So it’s good to get some of those things worked on and work on the technical aspects of the game.

If Fitz can work out some of the kinks that have been affecting his throwing mechanics, he could finally put it all together next season. In fact, Chris Brown relayed a report from ESPN insider K.C. Joyner, in which Joyner has Fitz as one of his breakout quarterbacks of 2012.

Chris Kelsay Running with First Team

Should Chris Kelsay be a starter in 2012?

YesNoSubmit Votevote to see results

Should Chris Kelsay be a starter in 2012?

Yes

48.4%

No

It’s no secret that Kelsay fits much better as a 4-3 defensive end than a 3-4 outside linebacker. That experiment last season was kind of scary. But the veteran will be working at his natural position, which is good news for both the Bills and Kelsay. Further, he finally has a lot of excellent talent around him.

This is all notable for three reasons. First, the Bills also have Mark Anderson and Shawne Merriman behind Mario Williams and Kelsay. That’s some great depth. Second, Kelsay should be more comfortable playing end in the 4-3, which should translate to better production. Third, there are finally other players on the line that should free up Kelsay to make plays—something he’s never really had with the Bills.

If everyone stays healthy, Kelsay could have a rejuvenated 2012 campaign and surprise in his 10th season with the team.

Which CB will start opposite Aaron Williams?

Which CB will start opposite Aaron Williams?

Terrence McGee

11.2%

Stephon Gilmore

85.1%

Leodis McKelvin

3.7%

Total votes: 295

Meanwhile, former first-round pick Leodis McKelvin, who has received a ton of criticism over the last year for his declining productivity, has been lining up as the starting right cornerback at OTAs, as reported on BuffaloBills.com.

In a detailed article, Joe Buscaglia of WGR 550 Buffalo suggests the Bills could actually be giving the former first-rounder a legitimate shot to win the job. For a player like McKelvin, who has struggled, to get that kind of opportunity in his contract year, it’s a great opportunity. The competition will also only make rookie Stephon Gilmore even better.

On the other hand, what if the Bills are sneakily showcasing McKelvin for a potential trade? Asher Allen’s retirement did come a day after the Bills’ first practice, so clearly there is no direct correlation. But the move could be a way for Buffalo to garner interest around the league in general.

The Bills have identified last year's third-rounder as a "nucleus" player on defense, after Sheppard racked up 61 tackles in the final nine games. He's quite likely to be an every-down player and impact IDP contributor. The Bills' starting weak-side backer is Nick Barnett, with Kirk Morrison currently at SAM.

How many tackles will Kelvin Sheppard finish with in 2012?

75-100100-125125 or moreSubmit Votevote to see results

How many tackles will Kelvin Sheppard finish with in 2012?

75-100

18.2%

100-125

61.1%

125 or more

Sheppard was a leader at LSU and is already contributing as an NFL starter in just his second season. The coaching staff—and Bills fans everywhere—expects big things out of the middle linebacker in 2012 and beyond.

Alex Carrington Running with Third Team

The news isn’t so good for backup defensive tackle Alex Carrington, who has reportedly been working out with the third team on defense so far, according to the Buffalo News.

Carrington is 6’5” and 305 pounds. As noted on Rotoworld.com, he was drafted to fit the Bills’ 3-4 scheme in 2010, which may lead to a declining role in the 4-3.